Isotope and trace elemental analysis of modern, historical, and sub-fossil Nautilus macromphalus shell from New Caledonia

Samples of modern, historical, and sub-fossil Nautilus macromphalus were analyzed to determine changes in a number of isotope and elemental parameters over the last 6,000 years. This species is endemic to New Caledonia, so provides a record of potential environmental changes at this location. We find the proportion metabolic carbon (calculated from data provided here) in the shell changes dramatically since the 1890's.